Pedrosa eclipses Poggiali's 2003 feat with debut 250 win

Pedrosa eclipses Poggiali's 2003 feat with debut 250 win

2003 125cc World Champion Dani Pedrosa won his very first 250cc Grand Prix today at Welkom after a thrilling battle with Randy de Puniet.

Pedrosa had reeled in the Aprilia rider by the midway stage of the race and even led unhindered for several circulations as he stretched out a 2 second gap over De Puniet that was soon pegged back. The latter was making a few mistakes and an engaging tussle was unfolding with four laps to run as the Frenchman frequently attacked while Pedrosa was not yielding an inch.
On the final lap the pair switched position five times in an authentic scrap rarely seen and an example of motorcycle racing at its best. Pedrosa whipped his Honda up the inside of the final hairpin turn, nudging De Puniet slightly wide and depriving the Aprilia man of precious drive. Similar to Pedrosa's 125cc win 12 months ago at the same circuit it was a sensational last lap assault and hints at big things for the Telefonica backed youngster.
Sebas Porto had blasted away from the line into a lead on the opening laps but then ran off track at high speed and rejoined the field back in 22nd position. The Argentine then picked off riders at a rapid rate until he impressively dived past 2003 winner and fellow factory Aprilia rider Manuel Poggiali for third position with less than 10 laps to the flag. Behind the World Champion a battle for 5th was being played out between Roby Rolfo, Fonsi Nieto, Toni Elias and Alex de Angelis. The latter triumphed by the finish in another notable 250cc debut appearance while Alex Debon pushed his way into sixth. Nieto, Elias, Rolfo and Franco Battaini completed the top ten.